Press Releases

May9,2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement on the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank:

"I’m pleased my colleagues were able to reach an agreement to reauthorize and raise the lending limits for the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im). Ex-Im provides critical financing to promote American exports and keeps them competitive within the global marketplace. Providing American manufacturers the resources they need to meet demand for U.S. exports is one of our top priorities for putting our economy back on track – nearly 95 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S. Extending support to the Ex-Im Bank is critical to maintaining and creating jobs in Washington State and around the country. Ex-Im lending supports exporters in aerospace, clean technology, global health, wine, and other agricultural industries.

"Over the past three years, the Ex-Im Bank has provided more than $30 billion in disbursements to Washington State and more than $11 billion in capital to businesses in the 9th District. And, the majority of companies receiving loans were small businesses. These loans have supported more than $68 billion in export sales in our state and have helped our local businesses complete transactions, create and sustain jobs that are vital to the health of our local and national economies."

May2,2012

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month:

“This May, we celebrate the seventh annual Jewish American History Month and honor the vast contributions Jewish Americans have made to our country. Overcoming prejudice in search of the freedom to practice their faith, Jewish Americans have a history that encourages and inspires us all to work towards making the world a more just and equitable place.

"For more than 350 years, Jewish Americans have led innovation in academia, science, business, and public service that have advanced our society to new heights. This month, I hope we will all honor their achievements and pay tribute to their extraordinary legacy.”

April13,2012

Secretary of the Navy Ray Maybus announced today that in honor of the contributions and support Washington state has given the military, one of the next five Virginia-class attack submarines will be named the USS Washington (SSN 787). The submarine will be the third ship to bear the state’s name.

The other four Virginia-class attack submarines will be named the USS Illinois (SSN 786), USS Colorado (SSN 788), USS Indiana (SSN 786) and USS South Dakota (SSN 790). The five states have not had a ship named for them in 49 years or longer.

“This is an exceptional way to recognize the men and women in Washington state who serve our country and to acknowledge the communities surrounding the base that support them in various ways,” said Congressman Smith. “I appreciate that the Navy is honoring us in this way.”

“Each of these five states serve as home to military bases that support our national defense and provide men and women that volunteer to serve their country,” said Secretary Mabus. “I look forward to these submarines joining the fleet and representing these great states around the world.”

These next-generation attack submarines will provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. They will have enhanced stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable them to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.

April2,2012

On Tuesday, April 10, Rep. Adam Smith will host U.S. Service Academy Night at Columbia Junior High School in Fife.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about obtaining a Congressional Nomination to one of the United States Service Academies, and meet field representatives from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

This informational event is recommended for all high school and middle school students who reside in Washington State’s 9th Congressional District.

Who: Representatives of U.S. Service Academies, interested students, and parents.

March23,2012

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09) made the following statement following today’s meeting with Army leaders at Joint Base Lewis-McChord:

“I would like to thank the members of the Army’s senior leadership who arranged today’s meeting to discuss incidents that have occurred involving soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Their willingness to address urgent concerns that are affecting the well-being of our troops, their safety abroad and ability to successfully carry out their missions is an important step forward in supporting our men and women who serve. It is also critical to preventing future episodes that place the lives of our soldiers and civilians in jeopardy.

“I and other members of the delegation pressed General Austin to understand what policies are currently in place or need to be put in place to make sure every soldier who is living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or suffering from Traumatic Brain Injuries gets the treatment he or she needs. These are difficult jobs with high stress levels, and the issues we see here are ones we see at every large base in our country. Our focus is on making sure there is a comprehensive plan to detect these injuries and disorders and do more to ensure that every soldier who needs treatment gets it. I will continue to closely monitor this issue to make sure all our military personnel receive the care they deserve.

“I also want to reiterate that the killing of 17 innocent civilians in Afghanistan resulted from the actions of one individual and is not a reflection of the character of our Armed Forces nor does it reflect upon the leadership at JBLM. I have full confidence that the leadership of this base and our Armed Forces will continue to make decisions that are in the best interest of our troops while continuing to meet our national security objectives.

“I look forward to discussing next steps and to working with the Army to implement the changes and policies discussed today in the most timely and effective manner.”